According to the Desert Sun, the question of the relevance of golf clubs in maintaining property values in an HOA was brought before the California courts.[1] A number of homeowners in Rancho Mirage, CA are challenging fees imposed on them to support a golf club that they rejected joining when they bought their homes. The HOA justifies its fees, saying that the golf club helps to maintain property values and home resale prices.

One homeowner was quoted, “Now, no homeowner can be sure about their financial future . . . . You build your economic plan on a certain set of assumptions, and one of those assumptions is, I’m going to be treated fairly.”

“The HOA board argues that a well-maintained club is critical to maintaining the community’s high property values. Club president described the course as ‘the community’s backyard,’ suggesting that although homeowners might not play golf, they benefit from the club’s success.”

The Associa property manager argues that homeowners don’t understand that the biggest part of their home’s value is the golf club, which they have very little control over. The board, in fulfilling is obligations, can either enforce mandatory club membership or raise fees. Read more: